I surprise my self with what comes out in words as I attempt to write Haiku, Tanka and my own special style of poetry. I had asked other people who appear to be successful at writing poetry, how they write it. They told me they just do (like breathing I suppose) and write about what comes to mind. One Poet told me that he doesn't even need to re-write his work. Me not being so possessed by my writing; I have to spell check and make sure it makes sense. But as of recent, with practice and more of an idea of what I am doing, I can actually write poetry that makes sense or helps others relate to what I am thinking or experiencing at the time. My poetry are "snap shots" of thoughts, experiences and emotions of the moment they were written. And if I can do this you can too. So the purpose of this section is to share with you some of my poetry and also to share with you the "ability" and "confidence", that you can write something too. All it takes is a blank book and a few sharp pencils along with an eraser (a small hand size dictionary is helpful too!) - having the book near by during your day and writing down what happens that is meaningful to you. These poems for now do not have to be meaningful to anyone else; just you. But you would be surprised, that when others read your work, what will be said and shared with you about it. I really want to encourage you to write Haiku or any form of poetry you find you are able to relate to. Poetry is easier than writing stories or keeping a diary, because it is from the moment that you experience. We experience these "moments" all the time, no need to strain over what to write; when these moments are happening all around us. Like a cup of tea steaming, a sudden welcome breeze, a sparkle on the ocean, a tear, a rain; just write it down and it is amazing what happens as you pursue this over time. With my early attempts and most recent attempts at poetry; I also include here a resource section on how simple it is to write. Like using the "5syllable - 7syllable - 5syllable" form of Haiku; using this form without the fear of saying too much or too little in your poems. [Syllables are the beat counted in words, for example, the word "better" has 2 beats or "syllables" - (bet) (ter) = better. Another example is, the word "masquerade" has 3 beats or "syllables" - (mas) (que) (rade) = masquerade. A good dictionary can help you with each word and number of syllables counted if you are unsure at first, while writing your Haiku.] With the "Tanka" approach to writing poetry the line count is "5" Lines with "5syllables - 7syllables - 5syllables[this line is usually the pivotal thought that links the top part to the bottom part of the Tanka] - 7syllables - 7syllables[this line usually repeats the theme or is a summary of the 'two' thoughts given in the Tanka]. So simple and so powerful. Please just get a blank book or tablet and fill it with your own words; it is wonderful over time to see your own transformation as a person. I use both Haiku and the longer Tanka form to write down memories or mental "snap shots" of what I have seen, what has impressed me or about what I am thinking or feeling at the time. And remember it is not just a thing for women either - I think it is good therapy against the stress of everyday life. It turns our life into a Path to share with others. - the poetess

Back to the Beginning

"end of summer" fallen trumpets piled on the wet ground beside the tall hedge shaft of light in the trees a distant realm this morning walking upon the glare of the sun --- Tsering

Back to the Beginning

Writing and Enjoying Haiku:
A Hands on Guide
By Jane Reichhold
Pub: Kodansha International
ISBN: 4770028865

There are many more Internet Web Sites and many more books on the "How To" and "History" of Haiku and Tanka and related Japanese Poetry. Just search the Net, like Google.com for what makes sense to you and that you can easily use. Then start writing about what is important to you or just about the little things that would have otherwise gotten over-looked and forgotten. Look at what is happening around you; even the common things can be beautiful in a Haiku or Tanka. Any way if I see more links or books that become extremely useful and are "simple", then I will add them here for you. Hopefully my attempts at writing about my life will encourage you to do the same. I think about it this way, I can leave something behind for my children and friends and family ; beyond just family photos; I can leave something from myself in the poetry I have written. Thanks for reading and I hope you try your hand soon at poetry.

- the poetess

a Waka path to a Shinto shrine

Turkish Poetry Web Homepage

'AOHNH | Athene Classical Myth

Ancient Egypt Texts On-Line

Shimabuku | Moon Rabbit ScreenSaver

Meditation Learning

You're a Fairy

What mystical woman are you? (with pics)
brought to you by Quizilla

Back to the Beginning